Stacey Branning, who was previously diagnosed with bi-polar disorder on the soap, will be seen to battle another mental illness.

The character, played by Lacey Turner, is due to give birth just before Christmas and will suffer from postpartum psychosis.

The illness is rare but can affect new mums and cause symptoms including hallucinations and mood swings.

Eastenders bosses are taking the storyline very seriously and The Mirror reports that women who have suffered from the condition have made "several" trips to Elstree studios.

“Stacey’s mental health story will be one of our biggest storylines over Christmas and the beginning of 2016 as we explore Stacey’s bipolar disorder and its effects on her and those closest to her," said executive produce Dominic Treadwell-Collins.

The condition can affect anyone but is more likely to present in women with bi-polar disorder.

Treadwell-Collins added the they want the show to "look at what we are doing as a country to help mothers experiencing this".

Elsewhere in Eastenders, one of the soap's characters will be killed off on Christmas Day.